On Feb. 17,Teck announced their first water treatment facility in the Elk Valley is now fully operational. Teck reported that the facility, located at their Line Creek Operations, completed commissioning and is achieving 100 per cent of its target for reducing selenium concentration in the water.
The aim of the West Line Creek Active Water Treatment Facility is to eliminate selenium and nitrate from water affected by mining operations. It is a part of Teck’s overall strategy to implement the Elk Valley Water Quality Plan, the goal of which is to “stabilize and reverse the increasing trend of selenium and other substances to ensure the ongoing health of the watershed, while at the same time allowing for continued sustainable mining in the region,” stated Teck in a press release.
The facility treats water from both Line Creek and West Line Creek at the Line Creek Operation. Teck says they then biologically treat the water using proper technology that turns the selenium into a solid, which is then extracted from the water and safely disposed of.
“Teck is committed to responsible resource development that supports both the environmental and economic well-being of the Elk Valley,” said Robin Sheremeta, Vice President, Coal in the same press release. “This water treatment facility is part of our work to implement the Elk Valley Water Quality Plan, which was developed with input from communities, governments and First Nations to maintain water quality while supporting continued responsible mining.”